our special correspondent for education, john merrow, reports. >> you glis can start. >> freedom of speech should mean what it mean, freedom of speep, shouldn't be limitations on freedom. >> i disagree. >> reporter: students in the center of the room argue their case. >> but you have no proof. >> 30 seconds. >> 18 members on the side-lines offer support. >> they're passing notes saying you should ask this followup question. or look at this page in your text so that you can reference this piece of evidence to support your idea. >> we have power but we also have power. >> reporter: to prepare theo for the debate the 8th graders have read several articles about freedom of speech. >> you can't just say what you are saying because you feel like that's rightment you need to like have evidence about it. >> you said that the government, that we have more power than the government. >> reporter: teacher erin gary keeps score. >> kids collect points for using discussion scores a cords together common core standards. >> reporter: the common core standards have been adopted by her state, new york. 44 o